Anonymous donor gifts computer lab to Harbor library

HARBOR SPRINGS — A donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has offered the gift of a computer lab to the Harbor Springs Library.

Board of trustees president Nathan Laffoon would not disclose the donor's name, but did say the donor is a resident of Harbor Springs.

"This is the biggest single gift ever made to the Harbor Springs Library, in modern times," Laffoon said.

Laffoon said it is up to the library to do research and decide what kind of equipment and furniture to purchase for the new lab. He said Alex Osetek, who joined the library staff this week, is spearheading the research effort. Osetek is an honors graduate of both Harbor Springs High School and the University of Michigan, according to a library news release. She was hired to be the new library director, Laffoon said.

"It's up to us to research, understand and implement the technology part of this, and the cost is simply being underwritten by the donor," he said.

Laffoon said an exact dollar amount for the gift has not been determined, but he said a $35,000-$40,000 range had been discussed.

The library currently has laptop computers available for patrons to use and offers Wi-Fi, changes that came earlier this year after the library underwent weeks of renovations.

Laffoon said the lab will include about 12 computers and he is optimistic that they will be installed sometime between Halloween and Thanksgiving this year.